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Trend In Mobile Development

Feb 16, 2015

Mobile app development has exploded over the past few years, in 2013, the Apple App Store and Google Play Store attracted over 50 billion downloads and as expected, for 2014 the momentum has continued, but in a variety of directions. Better technology, improved tools, more developers, and healthier ideas, are contributing to the rapid growth in the industry, 2014 has hosted exciting progress in the mobile development space.

With each passing year, the continuous innovation in mobile technology adds new features to smartphones and tablets. Another factor which is a big contributor in increasing number of Smart Phones and new Apps is, innovation in mobile operating systems. From Mozilla, to Sailfish, Mobile Ubuntu many of these new OSes are aimed at creating smartphones inexpensive enough to reach all monetary levels, and phase out feature mobile phones entirely.

Now let’s have a look at the trends in Application Development to keep an eye on in the year to come.Applications for Wearable devices
We’ve recently started seeing new kinds of wearable mobile devices, such as smart glasses and smart watches. Even though it might still be a while before wearables start going mainstream, developers need to be aware of performance issues on each new type of device and screen.

Applications for Mobile devices connecting with other Hardware
Xbox One has its SmartGlass app, which lets users to use their smartphones as a remote hub to control their Xbox Ones. Expect more similar apps to come down the line this year. In coming times expect a notable rise in apps that provide immersive second screen experiences.Activity Tracker and Fitness applications
Technology that powers FitBit and other tracking hardware will be common in coming time. Although much of the capabilities are already possible through a smartphone, innovations in the way coprocessors work will reduce energy consumption, allowing the tracker to work while a device is idle.

Smart Home Appliances
Google’s purchase of smart-home appliance maker Nest for $3 billion is a crucial step forward for the Internet of Things. Analysts have contributed to serious hype regarding smart cities, embedded sensors, and the concept of connected objects. In 2013, Nest released a smart smoke detector that is completely controlled via smartphone. Companies have also released Wi-Fi equipped washing machines, Air conditioners. This concept is expected to rise in popularity as sensors become more affordable and brands begin to experiment.

M Commerce
With Apple setting another major benchmark in the mobile space with the iPhone 5S fingerprint sensor and the sheer volume of devices that will be shipped with Near Field Communication (NFC) this year, we have big scope for finance and commerce based applications.

Almost all banks want to bring their systems on mobile platforms. These banking apps let users check their balance, transfer funds and pay bills using their smartphones. Online retailers are coming on mobile platforms. They are adapting their stores for smartphones and tablets. Mobile Payment apps are gaining ground as well. Mobile wallet is one service which has outdone conventional methods of payment – this is a far more secure way and even banks are getting into the market by offering mobile payment options to the customers.

Conclusion
Consumers and business professionals are using their mobile devices more often than laptops and desktops to access Internet resources, social networks, and web applications to perform day-to-day tasks. One thing is clear – the demand for mobile applications is already here and, as it continues to grow rapidly, the rise will be observed in number of mobile developers too; to mitigate this, companies and developers need to maintain pace with these upcoming trends and technologies.